Modular multi-axial rotor

ABSTRACT

A modular, electricity generating apparatus comprises an elongate, central member comprising a first end and a second end; at least one foil disposed about the central member in fluid interacting relation thereto; the first end and the second end dimensioned and configured to be connected to a connecting node; and, the elongate central member at least partially comprised of an electrically conductive material and configured to conduct electrical electricity from at least one of the connecting nodes to the other of the connecting nodes.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/444,306 filed on Apr. 11, 2012 and set to mature in U.S. Pat. No.8,932,005 on Jan. 13, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed toward electricity generatingapparatus, and particularly, those apparatus that are modular in natureand may be assembly into electricity generating assemblies for enhancedelectricity production.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electricity generating devices which are powered by wind or passingfluid which operate via vertical rotor are known within the art. Forexample a savonius-type rotor generally includes a foil disposed inparallel alignment with the central rotor. Additionally, such rotorsonly work in a vertical or horizontal position whereby they aretypically used as singular structures, with no modular or constructivefeatures. Additionally, efficiency is significantly decreased if thepassing fluid is not substantially perpendicular to the foil of such asavonius-type rotor.

The present invention addresses these problems, and others known in theart, by providing a electricity generating apparatus, powered by wind orother passing fluid, which is both modular and scalable in nature andconfigured to produce electricity regardless of the wind or fluiddirection relative to its central axis. Additionally, the presentinvention may be utilized as a structural assembly component, therebyproviding auxiliary sources of electricity production in locationsheretofore not possible, such as, within a truss of a bridge or a tower,enclosed spaces and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is an electricity generatingapparatus. The apparatus is modular in nature, as well as scalable indimension. The apparatus includes an elongate central member about whicha foil is disposed. The foil may be configured to interact with apassing fluid such that a force is generated on the foil via the passageof the fluid. When the central member is rotatably mounted between twofixed points, the force generated by the passage of fluid may induce arotation of the foil and/or central member about a central axis of theapparatus.

In at least one embodiment, the foil comprises at least one surfacewhich is disposed helically about the central member. As such, the powergenerated by the foil is generally independent of the direction of fluidflow relative to the apparatus. This is because the helicalconfiguration allows at least some portion of the surface area of thefoil to always be presented to the fluid flow. In other embodiments, anynumber of a variety of foil configurations may be appropriatelyutilized.

Additional features of certain embodiments of the apparatus includeintegral electricity generating structure within the apparatus. By wayof example, the central member may be comprised of a central statordisposed along the length of the central member. Additionally, a hollowshell may then be rotatably disposed about the central stator and thefoil attached to the shell, either unitarily or otherwise. Such aconfiguration lends itself to the inclusion of the various structuresand features of an electrical generator commonly known as a dynamo,alternator, or otherwise, with the central member forming the stator ofsuch a generator and the hollow shell forming the rotor of such agenerator.

Yet another feature of the present invention is that it is modular andmay be constructed into assemblies. For example, a plurality ofsubstantially identical apparatus may be interconnected via a pluralityof connecting nodes. A connecting node may, for example, include acollar, into which an end of the apparatus may be inserted for retentiontherein. Accordingly, a plurality of connecting nodes may be providedwith a plurality of apparatus to construct a variety of configurations,such as pyramids, domes, towers, etc. which may be utilized in or aspart of self-supporting, as well as external load-supporting,structures.

As an alternative embodiment, at least some of the electrical generatorstructuring may be disposed within the connecting node. By way ofexample one end of a central member may be rigidly connected to a rotorof an electric generator disposed within the connecting member. As such,when the central member rotates, due to the force of fluid passing thefoil, the rotor of the electric generator will rotate accordingly.Alternatively, one end of the central member may form such a rotor andbe inserted into receiving relation with a stator disposed inside theconnecting node, thereby forming an alternative electric generator.

Additionally, in such assemblies as have been described heretofore, eachof the connecting nodes and each of the apparatus may contain electricalcontacts which may be interconnected, such that the electricitygenerated by each apparatus of an assembly may be conducted through theentire assembly to a single receptacle point on the assembly, therebyreducing the need to electrically connect each apparatus individuallywith external electrical contacts.

Yet another feature of the present invention is the ability to formstructural assemblies from the apparatus and connecting nodes. Theapparatus and connecting nodes of the present invention lend themselvesto being formed of a variety of materials, plastics, metals, etc. Assuch, the present invention may be formed of material with sufficientstructural integrity so as to allow the assemblies of the presentinvention to bear weight, for example, structural steel and/or othermetals or alloys. Composite materials are also suitable for such anapplication.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the apparatus may be formed intoweight bearing assemblies, for example, triangular structures, andfurther assembled into towers, domes, pyramids, bridge structures,enclosed spaces, and the like. As such, the assemblies of the presentinvention may be used to support external structures, for example, aroadway of a bridge or a roof which may be suspended from an assembly.Alternatively the present invention may be used to form towers such as,radio towers, water towers, etc.

In at least one embodiment of a structural assembly, the apparatusincludes a rigid connection to each adjacent connecting node such thatforce may be transferred through adjacent apparatus and connectionnodes. In this sense, the apparatus of the structural assemblies may bestressed members when disposed in weight supporting relation to anexternal structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge roadway,suspended roof of an enclosed structure, reservoir of a water tower, oneor more satellite receivers and/or broadcast antennae, etc.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detaileddescription are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an electricity generating apparatus andconnecting nodes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a foil in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a section plan view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an assembly of apparatus and connecting nodes in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an assembly of apparatus and connecting nodes in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an assembly of apparatus and connecting nodes in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an assembly of apparatus and connecting nodes in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side section view of one embodiment of an apparatus inaccordance with the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 depicts an electricity generating apparatus 100 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 as depictedincludes an elongated central member 110. The central member 110 servesin part to provide a mounting point for the foil 120, as well as tointerconnect the apparatus 100 between connecting nodes 200.Additionally, the central member 110 may serve as an axle about whichthe apparatus 100 may rotate. For example, the central member 110 may bedisposed in rotatable relation to the connecting nodes 200.

The foil 120 of the present invention is an at least partially rigidstructure connected to or disposed on or about the central member 110.The foil 120 serves to transmit force to the central member 110 viainteraction with a fluid travelling past the foil 120. For purposes ofthe present invention any of a variety of foil shapes or configurationsmay suffice, such as a traditional airfoil or other shape. However inthe depicted embodiment, the foil 120 is comprised of at least onehelical surface 121 which is disposed about the central member 110. Assuch, at least a portion of the foil is always presented to the passingfluid, which allows for smoother force input to the central member, andaccordingly, smoother power input. Additionally, the foil 120 maycomprise a tapered configuration, as at 122, such that adjacentlydisposed foils 100 of adjacently disposed apparatus 100 do not collide,as will be explained further below.

FIG. 2 provides a top plan view of a foil 110 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention such that the general shape andconfiguration may be presented.

FIG. 3 presents a section plan view of a foil 120 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, such thatthe general shape and configuration may be similarly presented.Accordingly, a cross-section of the foil 120 is presented. As can beseen, in the depicted embodiment, the cross-sectional area 123 of thefoil 120 comprises a central portion 124 that substantially conforms tothe central member 110 and gradually tapers toward a trailing edge 125that is substantially thinner in cross section. It should be appreciatedthat the depicted embodiment is but one of many possible configurationsencompassed by the present invention. One benefit of the depictedembodiment however, is that the enlarged central portion 124 of the foil120 increases the bending moment resistance of the apparatus 100.Additionally, the depicted embodiment is capable of producing a lowpressure lifting force on the leeward side of the foil 120, whichsupplements pressure on the windward side of the foil 120, therebyincreasing the amount of torque produced by the apparatus 100 as itrotates.

As another feature of the present invention, a plurality of apparatus100 may be assembled into an assembly as exemplified in FIGS. 4 through7. With continuing reference to FIGS. 1, and 4 through 7, the connectingnodes 200 may serve as junctions with which to interconnect theplurality of apparatus 100. As such, one embodiment of a connecting node200 may include a connecting node collar 210 into which an end 130, 140may be disposed. As can further be seen, the tapered configuration 122,which in the depicted embodiment comprises a reduced radial dimension atthe first end 130 and second end 140, serves to provide clearancebetween immediately adjacent apparatus 100.

Additionally, the connecting nodes 200 may take any of a variety ofdesired configurations, as depicted in FIGS. 4-7, such configurationsbeing mainly dictated by the shape of the desired assembly, as depictedin FIGS. 5 and 7.

Now turning to FIG. 8, depicted is one embodiment of an apparatus 100according to the present invention that includes a stator 111 and ashell 112 within the central member 110. As such, at least a portion ofthe structure required for an electric generator may be disposed withinthe central member 110. Accordingly, the stator 111, even thoughstationary in the present invention, may correspond structurally to arotor as generally implemented in electric motors or generators, as itis centrally located within the central member 110. Similarly, the shell112, even though dynamic, may correspond structurally with a stator asgenerally implemented in electric motors or generators, as it isdisposed about the stator 111 of the present invention. Thus, the stator111 and shell 112 are comprised of such electrically and/or magneticallyconductive material so as to form an electric generator or otherwisetake advantage of the known effects of induction when the shell 112 isrotated about the stator 111 in order to produce electricity. It shouldbe understood that the depicted structure merely depicts one embodimentof the present invention and many other embodiments are suitable. Forexample, any number of electrical generator structure may be disposedwithin the connecting node 200. For example, the central member 110 maybe configured to rotate within at least a portion of the connecting node200, thereby providing a rotor as commonly implemented in electricgenerators. Additionally, substantially all of the electrical generatorstructure may be disposed within the connecting node 200, and thecentral member 110 rigidly attached to the rotor therein, therebydriving the rotor when the central member 110 is rotated.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the central member 110 and connectingnode 200 may be fabricated of electrically conductive material andhaving electrical contacts for electrical interconnection betweenadjacent central members 110 and connecting nodes 200. As such, whendeployed as an assembly 1000 with a plurality of apparatus 100,electricity may be drawn from and conducted through each apparatus 100such that only one exterior electrical connection need be made in orderto draw electricity from the assembly. This may be accomplished, forexample, by disposing a single electrical receptacle on a predeterminedconnecting node 200 of the assembly 1000, and constructing the assembly1000 such that each successive apparatus 100 and connecting node 200 isdisposed in electrical interconnection with the predetermined connectingnode 200. Of course, in alternative embodiments, it may be desirable toutilize multiple electrical receptacles and/or other exterior electricalconnections.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

What is claimed is:
 1. A scalable, modular, electricity generatingapparatus comprising: an elongate, central member; at least one foildisposed about said central member in fluid interacting relationthereto; said central member further including at least a first end anda second end; each of said first end and said second end dimensioned andconfigured to be connected to a connecting node; said elongate centralmember further including an electrically conductive material; saidelongate central member further configured to dispose one of theconnecting nodes into electrical communication with the other of theconnecting nodes.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein saidcentral member further comprises a stator member rigidly connected tothe connecting nodes.
 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 whereinsaid central member further comprises a shell rotatably disposed aboutsaid stator member.
 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein saidstator and said shell at least partially comprise an electricalgenerator.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said at leastone foil is rigidly connected to said shell.
 6. The apparatus as recitedin claim 3 wherein said at least one foil is unitary with said shell. 7.The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one foilincludes at least one surface disposed helically about said centralmember.
 8. The apparatus as recited in claim 7 wherein said at least onefoil further comprises a reduced radius toward each of said first endand said second end, providing clearance for adjacently disposed foilsof others of said apparatus.
 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 7wherein said at least one foil further includes a central portionsubstantially conforming to said central member.
 10. The apparatus asrecited in claim 9 wherein said at least one foil further includes atrailing edge that is thinner in cross-section than said centralportion.
 11. An electricity generating assembly comprising: a pluralityof electricity generating apparatuses, each including at least anelongate central member, a first end, a second end, and at least onefoil disposed about said central member; a plurality of connectingnodes; each connecting node of said plurality of connecting nodesincluding at least one connecting node collar projecting therefrom; eachof said first ends and second ends rotatably disposed within acorresponding one of said connecting node collars of said plurality ofconnecting nodes, thereby interconnecting said plurality of apparatuses;each apparatus of said plurality of apparatuses and each connecting nodeof said plurality of connecting nodes correspondingly configured anddisposed to conduct electricity from at least one of said plurality ofconnecting nodes to any other of said plurality of connecting nodes. 12.The electricity generating assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein atleast some of said plurality of central members further comprise astator member rigidly connected to said connecting nodes, respectively;a shell rotatably disposed about said stator member, respectively; and,wherein said stator member and said shell, respectively, at leastpartially comprise an electrical generator.
 13. The electricitygenerating assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein at least some of saidfirst ends and said second ends are disposed within said connecting nodecollar.
 14. The electricity generating assembly as recited in claim 13wherein at least a portion of either of said first end or said secondend of said central member is rotatably disposed within said collar,respectively.
 15. The electricity generating assembly as recited inclaim 14 wherein said collar and either of said first end or said secondend of said central member, respectively, at least partially comprise anelectrical generator.
 16. The electricity generating assembly as recitedin claim 11 wherein at least some of said connecting nodes furthercomprise at least one electrical generator connected in mechanicallydriven relation to either of said first end or said second end of saidcentral member, respectively.